The best insulation for a pole barn depends on how you will use the building. For a pole barn you heat full time, blown in foam or R19 insulation blankets between the posts perform best. For an unheated garage or horse barn, a condensation blanket or double bubble barrier is usually enough to stop dripping. Whatever you choose, install it dry, uncompressed and with the right vapor barrier.
Your region’s climate and your budget also shape the choice, and we’re glad to talk through the options with you when we plan your building. See the insulation options we offer, or read how insulation fits into pole barn cost.
Types of Pole Barn Insulation
Blown In Foam
Blown in foam insulation is the most effective way to insulate a pole barn because it seals air gaps as it expands. It is also the most expensive type.
Loose Fill
Loose fill costs less than blown foam. It is effective, but not as effective as expanding foam. Loose fill fills in air gaps, but it does not seal them.
Fiberglass Batts
Fiberglass batt insulation comes in a range of R-values. It is easy to cut, so you can use it to fill air gaps. Fiberglass batts do not seal air gaps, but they do limit air movement. Common recommended levels are R19 for walls and R30 for the roof.
Condensation Blankets and Double Bubble
Condensation blankets offer minimal R-value. Their job is to prevent condensation indoors. Common choices include double bubble radiant barrier insulation and 2-inch vinyl-backed post frame insulation. People often use double bubble insulation in horse barns and garages that don’t need full-time heat.
Pole Barn Insulation Blankets
Some pole barn insulation blankets are 93 inches wide. They fit between posts set 8 feet on center, with no thermal break, and can reach an R-value of 19. They are easy to install and a good fit for buildings you heat full time.
Keep in mind that poor installation can cut insulation’s R-value by 40 percent.
Before You Install Insulation
Keep It Dry and Uncompressed
Wet or compressed insulation loses R-value. You also need airspace between the insulation and the material next to it to get the maximum R-value.
Read Published R-Values With Care
Published R-values can be misleading. Insulation has one R-value in a roof and another in a wall, because heat flowing down acts differently than heat flowing up.
Makers also advertise R-values for savings from conduction, radiation and convection. Radiant R-values have nothing to do with your needs for non-radiant insulation.
Plan for Vapor Barriers, Ventilation, Windows and Doors
Metal siding and roofing need a vapor barrier, and the right placement depends on your location. Good ventilation works with insulation to keep moisture down; see preventing condensation in a pole barn. The type and size of your windows and doors also affect how well your insulation performs.
Common Questions
What is the most effective insulation for a pole barn?
Blown in foam is the most effective because it seals air gaps as it expands. It is also the most expensive option. Insulation blankets that fit between posts set 8 feet on center can reach R19 and are a good fit for buildings heated full time.
Does an unheated pole barn need insulation?
An unheated garage or horse barn often only needs a condensation blanket or double bubble radiant barrier. These offer little R-value, but they help prevent condensation from forming and dripping inside the building.
Why does insulation lose R-value after it is installed?
Insulation loses R-value when it gets wet, when it is compressed, or when it is installed poorly. Poor installation alone can cut R-value by about 40 percent.
Does a metal pole barn need a vapor barrier?
Yes. Metal siding and roofing need a vapor barrier, and the right placement depends on your location and climate.